White Man's Burden
April 30th 2006 02:30
Bad assed White Boy baller Larry Bird. (Image from Wikipedia)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post are of the writer and do not reflect the views of administrators.
While watching yesterday’s Phoenix/Laker game with my flatmate an interesting observation came to light. When I informed said mate about Steve Nash and his MVP award his interest in the game was piqued. The support for Nash was loud and genuine. Note: this is from a guy who detests the game of basketball. I should add that my flatmate is of Anglo-Celtic background but associating his support for the floppy-haired Canadian due to skin colour is a dangerous proposition at best. A lot of my White friends who follow NBA basketball have a self-deprecating attitude towards the heavy presence of Black players in the game, and are usually quite derogatory towards their fellow fair-skinned brethren. This clearly scientific (cough, cough) observation has got me thinking about the presence of White players in the league and some conclusions I might draw in this discussion. Hey, what is the point of writing if none of it challenges us?
Let’s be frank, the NBA is dominated by players of an African-American origin. It is one of the very few arenas in American society where young Black males have a distinctive presence over their White, corporate overlords. There is no dispute of this fact. End of story.
One of the theories of why the NBA is so heavily criticised in wider American society is the predominance of Black athletes in the league. Arguably, NFL players are more badly behaved, but the power structures of the game on the field still point to White players as the most important components in the team – quarterbacks. The position is largely still controlled by players of a lighter pigmentation, thus, it could be argued reinforcing the societal power structures that are evident in not only the US, but the wider Western world.
This reality may make it more palatable for Americans to follow the NFL on a subconscious level, whilst the same cannot be said about the NBA. White superstars are an increasing phenomenon within the NBA but what is most notable is the fact that they aren’t American players, but are from Europe or South America.
Legendary, Celtic and straight-up bad, white boy basketball player Larry Bird has suggested that domestic popularity won’t reach the wider community unless a home grown White player becomes a prominent player in the NBA: "You know, when I played, you had me and Kevin [McHale] and some others throughout the league," Bird said. "I think it's good for a fan base because, as we all know, the majority of the fans are white America. And if you just had a couple of white guys in there, you might get them a little excited" (Taylor, CNNSI.com, 2004).
Of course these comments set-off a tidal wave of criticism but isn’t the thesis worth exploring? Discussion surrounding issues that are of a racial element is like sitting on a stick of dynamite within broader society. Sometimes, issues of this nature are worth pondering, even over something as insignificant such as NBA basketball.
The reality is that people feel an affinity towards people who look similar to them and this is something that we should not deny. When a minority breaks into a sport that is dominated by a racial majority wouldn’t you be interested if you shared the same racial background? Of course you would! Don’t lie.
One of the theories that has been thrown around as to why there are no White American star basketball players is because they have an innate sense that they are inferior basketball players to African-Americans. While White players from a European background don’t share the same mentality. Hence, why they’re more prominent in the upper-echelons of basketball super-stardom. This theory may, or may not have a sound basis but on a superficial level the theory may have some merit.
Michael Jordan as a non-threatening corporate spokesman. (Image from Wikipedia)
The popularity of athletes such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan point out to the fact that the White majority are ready to embrace athletes no matter what colour they are. But why are they embraced, and not, say, Allen Iverson? Could it be that they represent a ‘safe’ racial imagery? Is it because the investment of corporate America in both athletes has curbed their natural impulse to speak up on behalf of their race? It is interesting to note that both Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan have rarely voiced opinions that may be seen as ‘threatening’ to the White majority.
It should be applauded that athletes such as Tiger Woods are embraced by the majority of White fans, but in an increasingly racially segregated world, either through design, or nature this has become an increasing rarity.
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Comment by charles
ZCars
Ponderous
Not knowing all that much about the NBA, my uneducated guess has always been that African-American players are the dominant force in the game because of a physical superiority as much as talent?
Let me give an example. When was the last time we saw a white man feature in the finals of a 100 metre sprint at the Olympics, let alone win the thing? No, I have no idea either.
if I recall correctly, scientific research have shown that the muscle structure or something alone those lines in African-American people are slightly different from others? And this explains why they are superior in situations where muscle 'explosiveness' such as jumping and sprinting are required.
On the other hand, the bone mass density of the people from this same racial background is higher too. I don't know if this would be an advantage in the game of basketball, but it certainly isn't when it comes to swimming.
Again, how often is it that you see a swimmer of African-American background grace the podium of an international swimming meet, i.e. World champs and Olympics?
So would it be fair to say that if a 'white man' was to 'step up' to the upper-echelons of basketball, he would have to overcome this 'physical disadvantage' as well as having supreme talent?
Comment by Stanley
in my opinion discussion of bodily differences can lead to a discussion in regards to the crap science known as eugenics where people from different racial backgrounds are categorised, and seen as fundamentally different. i know the discredited science was used to apply to the superiority of the white race, but inherent atheletic superiority to one group can almost be seen as reverse eugenics.
the science behind the black athletes of west african origin is sound with the fast twitch muscles etc. but i also think lack of representation in particular sports can be put down to access too. realitistically access to swimming pools and coaches in african-american neighbourhoods is non-existent. tim duncan the spurs superstar was a junior record holder in swimming and he had access to facilities due to the fact that he was from the american virgin islands. this is also applicable towards golf and tennis as well. access, equals success.
besides access i think the majority of people are psychlogically beaten with their pre-conceived notions of superiority in particular sports, which is a defeatist type attitude, especially in elite sports.
who knows? interesting discussion and debate though and thanks for contributing.
Comment by amy
Re: eugenics - of course it's dangerous to stray into that territory, but as with all evils it's probably more dangerous to ignore and give it such a wide berth.
I agree with both your commentaries guys - we have to accept physical differences, but also accept that while certain attributes are an advantage in some areas of life, they are almost always double-edged swords. Therefore no set of characteristics can be said to be inherently superior.
Stanley, I particularly note your comment that there are a lot of black American superstars who don't rock the boat, but I don't think you can blame them - it's an individualist society. Sometimes it's enough that they're role models youngsters have access to.
And eventually they're going to do an interview with Oprah Winfrey and she'll make them talk about race issues. Whatta part of the bedrock Oprah is.
Peace out basketball fans!
Comment by Stanley
anyways, yes, i agree that black athletes don't rock the boat because they are some of the only positive black role models young african-males have. however, i think they should rock the boat because they are in a position to be able to change the disadvantages that are evident in black society. by keeping mute they aren't bringing attention to the dire straits that a lot of young black males are enduring.
it is far easier to look the other way rather than approach the issues in relation to the black community. realistically speaking the chances of young black males making the money in professional athletes is as about as remote as the earth is to pluto.
it takes a brave athlete to rock the boat because the price they pay you can be assured will be very high.
i guess it is far more easier for me to advocate a militant stance when i am but a humble, non-descript uni student all the way in the merry land of oz.
Comment by Stanley
Comment by amy
And I'm glad you said it. It is "far more easier" for you to offer up everyone else for martyrdom!
(I'm sorry, did you say you were a law student? You're a law student with questionable grammar - doesn't that make you a special uni student? You are no longer non-descript! Hurrah! =P)
Comment by Stanley
anyways, i hope this short-lived distraction is entertaining for you as it is for me but i better get back to the books hitting me, rather than me hitting the books! boom-boom i should be in the melbourne comedy festival gala event with gold like that.
Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by alanna
A lot of people don't realize but just like most other sports, basketball started having predominantly white players. A good movie to watch is Glory Road where it talks about the first team to have an all black start up in a professional game.
I think there are a lot of reasons why basketball has so many black players (but I have a paper to write so I’ll only write about one haha). I think a major reason is because socially, basketball is a part of black community more than the white community in the US. Where white boys are brought up playing baseball and going to golf course with their dad, black boys play basketball with their dads. So if you have been playing basketball since the day you could walk, then I think you are more likely to have better skills than someone who picks it up later on in their life no matter what race you are. Of course this doesn't apply to everyone. There are white boys who play basketball their entire life and don't make it to the NBA and black boys who pick it up later and make it, but I do feel different sports are a greater part of different racial groups' social life and this plays a part.
I am no expert, but again great post! Nicely said!
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Comment by Stanley
alanna - thank you for your imput as well and i avidly go to your site
in regards to your thoughts i agree wholeheartedly. there are myriad reasons why the world works the way it does and it would take forever to explore. however, i appreciate your imput more than you can even fathom!
Comment by defjamfreak76
To back this up, I can give you another example. During the Civil War, the south lost alot of men, even more than the north. The Southern Army consumed all of the good-looking corn bred men in the south. This resulted in a rather strange phenomenon, which is very evident in states like Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee. When visiting these states, or if you live there, you will notice something very strange. Beautiful women with appearance challenged men (being politically correct). Now this may seem strange, however, even though the Civil War is long over, the catastrophic effects of its devistation still remains today. In the southern states, there is a shortage of good looking men even today.
I would hope that this clears up any confusion.
Comment by Stanley
Comment by defjamfreak76
Comment by Stanley
Comment by alanna
Well I just wanted to make the search easier for everyone.. there is no literature out there. Unless you are using the literature from the racist scientist who tried to justified the mistreatment of blacks. In fact, there is no genetic proof of black people having a different muscle structure make up that would cause them to have better abilities in sports. Not one characteristic, trait or even gene distinguishes all the members of one so-called race from all the members of another so-called race. (which is crazy because it is the thing that a lot of people judge others on first). A black person will probably have a more similar genetic makeup to an Asian before having one to another black person. Slavery was a big issue and it lasted a long time, but it is nothing compared to the hundred of thousands of years civilization has existed which means it did not do much damage on genetics. Only about .01 percent of our genes are reflected in our external appearances. You may want to check out these sites for more information:
*TriniCenter
*Race and Genomics
*A compilation of Links here
A quick summary of the links above: race means nothing. Race was simply used as a means to separate people and create the social thing called racism. The only reason why they are trying to find scientific proof now is to try to justify their actions. But the fact is race is not something that is justified scientifically.
Also, as far as your comment about men in the south, I am not sure if you have even stepped one foot on the US, but you are so far from the truth. First of all, you can never sum up a total population by a few men you may have seen (if you even saw any). Second of all, there is no magic gate keeping people from the north from moving down to the south, and they don't just miraculously turn ugly when they do, so logically speaking your comment is slacking as well. I have met many attractive southern men and they have that respectable southern way as well which made them better than some of the ones I have met in the north. Basically I don't know where your claims are coming from; I have a feeling you got them all from your "common sense" and sadly your common sense has mislead you this time.
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Comment by *Well*
Comment by *Well*
Definition:
FFA is an acronym for Future Farmers of America, it is kindof like ROTC for farmers and people who wish to go into the agricultural field. At these auctions they sell farm animals, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, bulls, etc.... Now in order to get the most money for their product, they must breed, and breed with some know how. Since the dawn of modern civilization, dating back all of the way to the Mesopotamian, slaves have been around, and maam, they were bred to do one thing, work. Brutal, yes, shallow, yes, fact, yes..................Being educated is about gathering facts..............gather them.............and let me know what facts you can bring me stating that I am wrong.
Comment by alanna
When you say I should not be angry, I have the right to be because when black people in America succeed in things such as sports, society always tries to find a way to decrease their success. By saying things like "oh they are only there because white people don't have the genetics to get to their level", it takes away from the hard work the players go through to become a basketball player. It would be ok if they did this for every race, but they don't. There isn't a big debate over why golfing, baseball, surfing, or soccer is full of white people. No one is suggesting the white body has a more natural makeup for these sports. The fact is society does not like the idea that minorities can be genuinely successful at something without an explanation.
It is fact that you cannot blame genetics for black men’s success in basketball. It is a social thing. Black men, especially those in poor neighbourhoods, are brought up thinking the only way they can make it is through rapping or being an athlete. Otherwise, they will end up on the street, dead, or at the bottom of the corporate ladder. Now I am not saying this is true because there are a lot of black men going past these expectations. However, when you have society only reflecting black men in movies, shows, books, etc as being drug dealers, basketball players, or rappers then ofcourse you will choose one and work your hardest at that thing. In this case, that is what black athletes have done. They chose the basketball sport because it was their only escape according to society. It is different when you play a sport for fun and when you play because you think it is your only way to become successful. This hard work and focused mentality is what causes them to be successful in the end.
On a side note, I am not trying to come down on you. I am actually glad to see that someone outside of the black race is interested in our history. I know you went out of your way to find some history and I respect that because many people only depend on what they learn in history books. All I am saying is this history does not answer the question at hand. While it may seem logical in the head, logic does not mean truth.
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